[GreenKeys] Done lurking; Teletype model 33 KSR/ASR restoration

Tue Aug 4 13:57:17 EDT 2015

Jeff, 

Welcome to the list.  

Your 33 KSR is a TWX.  I have the volume control knob and some spare parts for the dial unit.  

The 33 ASR is a computer version.  Its what you want for connection to your Altair I guess.  I am not a computer guy.  its standard configuration is 20 MA, 4 wire full duplex and Gil has some current loop to RS-232 interfaces, I think.  

I don't know how to tap into the SMD card on your TWX to use it with a computer.  You need to think about the send side of the 33 as well.  

Rotary dial plates for TWX aren't as common as the push button ones  and I cant help there.  

You are fortunate to have Gil Smith close to you as I know he has some 33 and TWX parts and is knowledgeable to help with troubleshooting.  

I can send the following: 

4 vinyl hammers.  Your rubber ones will be mushy or brittle and will not last long with use. 

A pile of spare parts for the TWX dial unit including the volume control knob and spare SMD and Tone cards.  

If you just want the hammers, I will send them no charge.  If you want the TWX spare parts stuff, I will send them as well and you can pay me for shipping if its more than $5.  

Have fun and probably more emails to come.  

Wayne 
KB1FDW 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Jeff Albrecht" <jeffa at rodaw.com> 
To: greenkeys at mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2015 11:25:06 AM 
Subject: [GreenKeys] Done lurking; Teletype model 33 KSR/ASR restoration 

Hi, 

I’ve been reading the list for several weeks. Now that I’ve retrieved my teletype model 33 KSR left behind in storage when I moved from Spokane, Wa. to Mesa, Az. I’m ready to get to work restoring what was once my father’s I/O for an Imsai 8080 S-100 computer. I remember playing startrek(.bas) on it. I also picked up an ASR as I’m really wanting the paper punch/reader lacking in our old KSR. My interest in the Model 33s is for display with my late 70s early 80s computers. I still have Dad’s unfinished Altair kit, I’ve recently rebuilt the power supply in his Imsai and I’ve got my old CompuPro up and running MP/M 8-16. 

FWIW I recently picked up a Hazeltine 1500 serial terminal. It’s interesting in that it can be configured for current loop. Maybe handy for testing. 

I’ve got a page started with some pictures and restoration notes. http://retrowagon.org/wiki/index.php/Teletype_Model_33_SN_xyz (Shortened: http://rodaw.me/1dAG4z3 ) 

I have three Teletype technical manuals. I’m currently reading Volume I “General Description and Principles of Operation” 

Hoping to find something obvious. Otherwise is there anyone in the Phoenix area that might be able to help me repair this? Or does repair work? Or if not local are there any people still doing repair that I could ship or deliver this to? 

So far they both power up, motors running but in hopefully local mode I get nothing when depressing the keys. The innards don’t appear to be very gummy. The ASR seems newer than the KSR judging by the look of the circuit boards and components. The KSR is missing the modem which I understand would have been located in the base. 

I’m looking for some 

-           Paper tape for the ASR. 

-           Couple type wheel hammer pads. 

-           Cover plate that goes under rotary dial with holes for buttons. 

-           Volume control knob. 

Is this greenkeys list archived and indexed anywhere suitable for searching? I found this http://www.rtty.com/greenkeys.htm but the search cgi is broken. 

Has anyone written a troubleshooting guide for the Model 33? Good blog post or ?? 

Thanks for reading. 

-           jeffa 

Jeff Albrecht KF7CRU 

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